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Letters to the Editor - Feb. 25, 2014

Published: Monday, February 24, 2014 at 8:53 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, February 24, 2014 at 8:53 p.m.

The trouble with sand mines

This is a response to the Feb. 16 story "Sand in demand." The article neglected many legitimate concerns associated with sand mining.

… One reason for the sudden increase of mining permits with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources … is that the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency may soon issue more stringent regulations regarding the sand mining industry.

… Prolonged exposure to sand dust is proven to cause life threatening respiratory diseases, including silicosis, bronchitis, cancers and autoimmune diseases. Sand particulates can negatively affect workers and residences in locations close to sand excavation. They are industrial in nature, pose public health and safety risks, and bring permanent ecological impact.

Mining sites require highway-grade infrastructure to accommodate heavy trucks. Special-use permits frequently remain in perpetuity with the corresponding property, allowing continued industrial-type development for years to come.

Silica sand is used for hydraulic fracturing, electronic devices and abrasive products. …

The dewatering process of any sand mine can lower the water table and contaminate groundwater.

Mining sites often share boundaries with the economically disadvantaged – those who cannot adequately argue their loss of security and welfare.

Mining permits are long-term zoning, and land-management issues that should not be rushed into place without adequate public input, research and review.

Ann Donaldson, Wilmington

We don't need more lawyers, thanks

I wonder, is Woody White so insecure in his campaign that all he can do is lash out at his opponent with personal attacks?

What is his platform? What is his experience?

David Rouzer has fought for small businesses and our tobacco farmers. He has fought for welfare reform that included drug testing.

He also fought against the annexation of Monkey Junction. He has been endorsed by the NRA, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and N.C. Right to Life.

We do not need another lawyer in Washington to find loopholes in the laws, in order to suit their egos.

Charles Besecker, Wilmington

Diversions

The big problems in Washington continue to be overspending and the economy (jobs).

What we get from our leader is immigration, gun control, Syria, the minimum wage, climate change, and now the disparity of income.

We need new focus in Washington.

James Wade, Wilmington

Paradoxes

In a recent letter from "Older, wiser," Wiser's metamorphosis from liberal to right-wing tea partier misses one important fact: He grew up to be everything he despised as a young man.

<p class="bold allcaps">The trouble with sand mines</p>
<p>This is a response to the Feb. 16 story "Sand in demand." The article neglected many legitimate concerns associated with sand mining.</p><p>… One reason for the sudden increase of mining permits with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources … is that the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency may soon issue more stringent regulations regarding the sand mining industry.</p><p>… Prolonged exposure to sand dust is proven to cause life threatening respiratory diseases, including silicosis, bronchitis, cancers and autoimmune diseases. Sand particulates can negatively affect workers and residences in locations close to sand excavation. They are industrial in nature, pose public health and safety risks, and bring permanent ecological impact. </p><p>Mining sites require highway-grade infrastructure to accommodate heavy trucks. Special-use permits frequently remain in perpetuity with the corresponding property, allowing continued industrial-type development for years to come.</p><p>Silica sand is used for hydraulic fracturing, electronic devices and abrasive products. …</p><p>The dewatering process of any sand mine can lower the water table and contaminate groundwater. </p><p>Mining sites often share boundaries with the economically disadvantaged – those who cannot adequately argue their loss of security and welfare.</p><p>Mining permits are long-term zoning, and land-management issues that should not be rushed into place without adequate public input, research and review.</p><p><i></p><p>Ann Donaldson, Wilmington</i></p><h3>We don't need more lawyers, thanks</h3>
<p>I wonder, is Woody White so insecure in his campaign that all he can do is lash out at his opponent with personal attacks?</p><p>What is his platform? What is his experience?</p><p><a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic0140"><b>David Rouzer</b></a> has fought for small businesses and our tobacco farmers. He has fought for welfare reform that included drug testing.</p><p>He also fought against the annexation of Monkey Junction. He has been endorsed by the NRA, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and N.C. Right to Life.</p><p>We do not need another lawyer in Washington to find loopholes in the laws, in order to suit their egos.</p><p><i></p><p>Charles Besecker, Wilmington</p><p></i></p><h3>Diversions</h3>
<p>The big problems in Washington continue to be overspending and the economy (jobs). </p><p>What we get from our leader is immigration, gun control, Syria, the minimum wage, climate change, and now the disparity of income.</p><p>We need new focus in Washington.</p><p><i></p><p>James Wade, Wilmington</i></p><h3>Paradoxes</h3>
<p>In a recent letter from "Older, wiser," Wiser's metamorphosis from liberal to right-wing tea partier misses one important fact: He grew up to be everything he despised as a young man.</p><p><i></p><p>Jon Jordan, Wilmington</i></p>